The suspense presiding over the fate of Pieter Paul Ruben’s sketch “Apotheosis of James I”, as covered by OMNP here came to an end this week. the UK was able to retain what was described as a “unique treasure in the history of British art” for half of its estimated value. Pooling together sizable donations from the National Heritage Memorial Fund (£2.2 m) and from public members and private benefactors of the Tate (£1.5m,), and the Art Fund (£600,000,) the piece was able to be bought this week in what was described as an “11th hour” transaction, weeks after the September 30th deadline originally imposed by its owner, Viscount Hampden.
Rubens sketch saved for the nation at 11th hour [Mark Brown, Guardian UK]
Rubens Banqueting House Sketch Saved for the Nation press release [Tate UK]
[...] awash in patriotism after the recent save of one of its national treasures , the Art Fund announced last week that it will be donating £1 million GBP towards reclaiming [...]
[...] England succeeds in saving Ruben’s “Apotheosis of James I” for the nation [...]